University receives high marks

October 13, 2012

STEUBENVILLE - For the 12th consecutive year, Franciscan University of Steubenville has received a top-tier ranking among Midwest universities in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2013.

Each year, U.S. News gathers data from more than 1,200 colleges and universities on up to 16 indicators of academic excellence.

Franciscan University ranked ninth best among 112 Midwest universities for freshman retention rate and tied for 10th for overall graduation rate.

"High scores in both these categories show that once a student comes to Franciscan University, they want to stay and finish their education here. This is in large part due to the excellent academics and strong faith environment for which we are so well known," said Joel Recznik, vice president of enrollment at the schoo.

The university ranked 18th overall among colleges and universities from across the United States that offer a study abroad program.

More than 300 students from the university study and live for a semester in a restored 14th-century Carthusian monastery in Gaming, Austria, every year.